HOW TO OVERCOME MATH ANXIETY
“Do not worry about your difficulties in mathematics; I assure you mine are greater.” – Albert Einstein
Math Quiz (source: Name ______
A Self-Test. Rate your answers from 1 to 5; add them up and check your score below. (1) = Disagree, (5) = Agree
1)I cringe when I have to go to math class1 2 3 4 5
2)I am uneasy about going to the board in math class1 2 3 4 5
3)I am afraid to ask questions in math class1 2 3 4 5
4)I am always worried about being called on in math class1 2 3 4 5
5)I understand math now, but I worry that it’s going to get really difficult soon.1 2 3 4 5
6)I tend to zone out in math class1 2 3 4 5
7)I fear math tests more than any other kind1 2 3 4 5
8)I don’t know how to study for math tests1 2 3 4 5
9)It’s clear to me in math class, but when I get home it’s like I was never there1 2 3 4 5
10) I’m afraid I won’t be able to keep up with the rest of the class1 2 3 4 5
TOTAL ______
Check your score:
40 – 50No doubt! You have math anxiety
30- - 39You’re fearful about math
20-29On the fence!
10-19Wow! Loose as a goose! You can put this test away,
or use it for your friends.
ARE YOU A VICTIM? SEE BACK SIDE FOR TIPS ON HOW TO REDUCE YOUR ANXIETY
TEN WAYS TO REDUCE MATH ANXIETY
1)Learn stress management and relaxation techniques.
Techniques such as deep breathing and meditation that help you to relax in any stressful situation can also be helpful when dealing with the nervousness and tension that affect students with math anxiety
2)Combat Negative thinking
Lack of confidence can be a major impediment for students with math anxiety. Replace those negative thoughts (“I can’t do this”, “I’ve never been good at math”, “I won’t finish in time”) with confidence-building affirmations (“I know this”, “I’m prepared”, “I can do this!”)
3)Visualize yourself succeeding
Athletes use the technique of “visualization” to prepare for major competitions. Imagine yourself being relaxed doing math and during a test and confidently solving problems
4)Do the “easiest” problems first
Build up your confidence by first doing those problems in an assignment or on a test that you “know” best. It’ll help you relax when you tackle the harder stuff.
5)Channel your stress into something else.
Free up your mind by relieving some of your physical responses to stress. Get up and run around the hall for a minute before the test or squeeze a stress ball like crazy during the test.
6)Start preparing early.
If you try to “cram” the material quickly, you are likely to forget it quickly too. If you practice the material over a period of time, you will have a better understanding of it and are less likely to forget it when under stress.
7)Take care of yourself.
Although it’s not easy when you’re in school, eating and sleeping well helps your body and mind function to their fullest potential.
8)Try to understand the “why” of math concepts rather than memorizing.
The first thing to go when you are under stress is your short-term memory. This is one reason it is so important to understand that math is not just a set of rules that you have to memorize but that each concept builds on what came before. If you understand the reason behind the rules, you will remember page 5 the concepts better and be able to apply them in many different types of problems (not just ones you’ve seen before).
9)Find a support group.
A support group is especially helpful for adults with math anxiety.
10)Reward yourself for hard work.
After completing a difficult assignment or an exam, it’s time to give yourself a break. Have a chocolate… or a party!